Trail Mix and a Mix of Trails

When our kids were little, we LOVED piling them into the back of our 14-year old Suburban and high-tailing it to the mountains. We rigged up a TV and let them actually lie on their sleeping bags with the seats down, watching Aladdin as we drove. (Excuse me for a minute while I hyperventilate over how unsafe that was!)

Two snacks were always along for the ride – homemade cookies and a big bag of Mountain Trail Mix from Sam’s. I LOVE a good trail mix.

I always thought it would be fun on those family trips to hike the trails wherever we were. We didn’t do much of that, or any really, because the kids wanted to swim, or because we didn’t bring along one of those big fat books that showed us where they were located.

One of the best things about living in Austin is the “trails.” Different names, some all connected and accessible from downtown on foot, others within driving distance – but all scenic and fun. This is a map of just a portion of them.

Recently, we got up early on Saturday morning and hiked the Barton Creek Greenbelt, where we saw beautiful waterfalls, and a really cute dog who fetched a stick out of the water to his heart’s delight.

*Tip – do go early. It gets pretty crowded with cyclists and hikers by 9:30 a.m.

The next day, we decided to walk the five miles of the Town Lake trail that we hadn’t already done.

*Tip – go late in the day. The way the setting sunlight plays on the water is beautiful.

We ended up at the bridge on Congress Avenue at just the right time to see the bats – but alas, we are 3-0. No bats…again. Better luck next time!

So, if I’ve inspired you to take a good long walk on one of these Austin trails or one in your own city, maybe I’ll also inspire you (and me) to make some trail mix to enjoy as you go. I have a great recipe (somewhere!) that has cranberries, almonds and pumpkin seeds, but I also think these look delish.

This weekend, we won’t be hiking. We’ll be bowling! It’s my Mom’s 75th birthday celebration, and that’s one of her fave things to do with the fam. Trail mix goes with bowling too, right?

Encouraging intentional adventure and a little mixing it up,

PS – Where is your favorite place to hike? Do you have a favorite trail mix recipe? I’d love to hear!

Hi, there! My name is Brenda McDearmon, and I love to encourage people! I created this blog to help overfiftyers look beyond the transitions into a future of everyday adventure so they can focus on themselves a little, and on every other good thing in life a lot. I'm so glad you're here!